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Zoom H6 Overview

The H6 Handy from Zoom is a portable handheld recorder and USB audio interface that features an interchangeable microphone system. The recorder ships with both XY and mid-side microphone modules, foam windscreen, four AA batteries, USB cable, Cubase LE and a hard carrying case. Optional module attachments can be purchased for expanded functionality.

The H6 Handy allows for versatile recording techniques, giving you several options right out of the box. The included XYH-6 XY microphone module is made up of two matched unidirectional condenser microphones and is intended for capturing accurate, phase-correct stereo audio. The module allows you to adjust the angle of the two mics to either 90 degrees, or for a wider stereo image, 120 degrees.

For situations that call for audio that allows for width control over your stereo image after it has been recorded, the XY module can be switched out for the MSH-6 mid-side stereo microphone module. Contrary to the appearance of the capsule, the mid-side module actually contains two elements positioned on top of one another: a unidirectional mic which faces forward (mid), and a bi-directional mic set perpendicular to it (side). In addition to providing you the ability to adjust the width of your stereo audio after it has been recorded, MS recording also provides true mono compatibility, a factor that comes into play in situations such as television production.

In addition, the H6 is equipped with four XLR/TRS combo inputs for connecting external mic/line sources such as microphones or mixers. All four inputs and each of the mic modules are equipped with their own preamps with dedicated gain knobs that are easily accessible whether you have the unit mounted to your camera, or strapped over your shoulder. Also, each of the four combo inputs has its own -20dB pad.

The recorder allows you to record up to six channels at once and stores them to SDXC memory cards up to 128GB in size. It also features a backup-record option that tracks a duplicate of the left and right channels with -12db input gain. This means that if you find that you have tracked your main audio too loud and that distortion has occurred in your audio, you will have a backup stereo mix with 12 db more headroom as a fail-safe. The unit also doubles as a 6-in/2-out USB audio interface and it can be used with your computer running the included Cubase LE or other DAW software.

Main Features

Large full-color angled LCD display that allows visibility whether mounted on a camera or strapped over shoulder

Zoom H6 Reviews

H6 Handy Recorder with Interchangeable Microphone System is rated
4.7 out of
5 by
269.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
ajs from
well designed audio recorderI will use with my Nikon D800e. I did a test and it held sync at 29 minutes. I have heard not all Zoom units are consistent with sync,, but mine does great. I may also use this with my Sony z1u when I need more mic inputs. Its much better to mix the mics in post. user friendly design. I just ordered the xlr input attachment so I can record 6 mics at once. That came up a couple of times when I recorded a TV talk show. It comes with Cubase but I found out I can interface with my Logic pro 9 I can't record to the recorder and use as a interface at the same time. that would be nice for backup, but not essential..

Date published: 2013-09-09

Rated 5 out of
5 by
James from
Highly recommendUnbelievable sound reproduction from a hand held device. I recorded an outdoor concert of a friend of mine and even the band was amazed at the sound quality of the recordings. The stereo separation with the XY mic was incredible. the ease of setup and the intuitive controls made it easy for even me with no prior audio experience to record a high quality GREAT SOUNDING Concert. I have recorded 2 events so far and recorded 4-5 hrs of audio and still have 3/4 batty life on 4 AA batteries. I added a 64 GIG card and haven't even scratched the 5% mark on usage at 96.0 K 24 BIT recording. Highly recommended.

Date published: 2017-10-30

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jonathan from
Beware the wind!I posted a glowing review of this recorder earlier but I would like to add an update. The built-in microphones are insanely sensitive to wind noise. You CANNOT use this thing outside without a very good wind screen on the built-in mics. I mean the slightest movement of air is death to the sound quality of the built-in microphone. The AGC will pump and the rumble makes the audio worthless. Also, it absolutely cannot be hand-held while recording with the built-in mic. The handling noise transfers right to the mic. You need to have it on a tripod.

Date published: 2014-10-19

Rated 5 out of
5 by
JBLR from
A very well designed productThe H6 is one of the better designed products I've run across in a long time. It is loaded with design features and is very well thought out. The menu is easy to use and provides a pleathera of options. I have never owned a audio recorder like this before but now realize how valuable it would have been to me in the past. Owning a considerable amount of professional A/V equipment I can see now that this product is bound to be one of my favorites. And best of all it has XRL plugs I can use my multiple mics with even in locations far from my video cameras. Needless to say, I'm quite impressed with the overall design of the products and its many features.

Date published: 2015-07-31

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
So far so good!This is a great tool-- great quality for the price. However, make sure you format the SD card that comes with the case before using it. I didn't, and ended up not being able to transfer the sound files as the card was malfunctioning. The only thing this product needs for documentary film on-the-go production is a perfect case for carrying it visibly with an attached boom pole. The reason that other audio recorders win out for me is that you can see the levels at your side while walking. I don't want to have to touch the recorder to be able to see the levels while booming. There has to be a simple carrying solution for this, I just haven't figured it out yet.

Date published: 2016-12-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jeff from
Legal Videography!I use the H6 for legal video. This is a great machine. Creates an MP3 audio file for the court reporter. I've used it to send line or mic level to my camera while recording an MP3. Gives you the option to offer your reporter a headphone mix independent to your mix. If needed use the headphone 3.5 to the reporters computer for audio, just lower the headphone volume. The additional xy capsule allows you to connect an additional TRS 3.5 lavalier for a 5th controllable input. I even use this with my MXL 100 mic using a 3.5 TRS male to male. Flaw Less.

Date published: 2017-08-22

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Mdifilm from
Still have noise compared to Tascam DR-6This is a well thought out device, it has a lot of usage, and iLife many reviews, it's good for general purposes. For DSLR filmmakers, you may find it very hard to view the screen or adjust the dials when it is mounted on top of the camera, you CAN use additional supporters like a cage or a hotshoe mount, but it will add more stuff around the camera making it less portable. I have been using both extensively and tested both the Zoom H6 and the Tascam DR-60D and between all my filmmaker friends that had used both devices, the Zoom renders more noise even though it is better than the H4N. Don't get me wrong, it IS a good device but it has its application. I do love the fact I can use 4 XLRs but I hate the menu and option buttons they make it hard to change the settings. Also, the backup recording options ONLY applies to the front modules L/R input not the 4 XLRs.

Date published: 2013-08-21

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Ross M. from
Very good recorderGood bang for the buck - I've used it for 2 years and have been very happy with it. I like the color display - much easier to determine peaking though not that great outside. I wish it had a little more gain, but pretty clean even with volume cranked up. I use the XLR inputs a lot, but also use the x/y kit mic to record ambient sound and I really like it. I like the line gain controls on channels 1-4. My single biggest gripe on Zoom h4, h5 and h6 (I own or have owned them all) - your battery dies during recording you lose your clip. I know this is not a pro level recorder, but my clips are important to me and this is a major design flaw that Zoom continues to ignore. I almost always run my H6 with external USB power to elimate this problem. Poor design Zoom!